VW, Audi, Porsche face EV, hybrid recall over traces of cadmium

Around 124,000 vehicles may be affected by a potential recall.

Volkswagen Group is apparently facing a potential recall in Europe over the presence of cadmium in chargers used for vehicles sold by VW, Audi and Porsche brands.

A supplier reportedly issued a notice that its chargers, used in VW's EVs and hybrids, contained trace amounts of the poisonous metal. The chargers are said to have been installed in around 124,000 vehicles over the span of several years, according to .

"A corresponding recall order by the [German Transport Authority] is currently in clarification," the company said in a statement. "Volkswagen has stopped the series production and delivery of the corresponding vehicles immediately, replaced the affected component by that of another supplier and resumed production."

The company has played down the threat to owners, as the cadmium is contained inside "a solid housing inside the charger, which in turn is enclosed by a solid housing." Authorities are said to be concerned over health consequences if the vehicles are not carefully disposed of, however.